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Kentucky v. King

Docket No. Op. Below Argument Opinion Vote Author Term
09-1272 S. Ct. of KY Jan 12, 2011 May 16, 2011 8-1 Alito OT 2010

Holding: The exigent circumstances rule applies when the police do not create the exigency by engaging in or threatening to engage in conduct that violates the Fourth Amendment.

Plain English Holding: Police may enter a home without a warrant in response to an emergency (including the imminent destruction of evidence) so long as the police do not themselves create the emergency through conduct that violates the Fourth Amendment.

Judgment: Kentucky Supreme Court Reversed, 8-1, in an opinion by Justice Alito on May 16, 2011. Justice Ginsburg filed a dissent.

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